Cold waves grip HP, natural water sources freeze in high altitude

India

Arvind Sharma

By: Arvind Sharma

Published: Thursday, December 12, 2013, 11:47 [IST]

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Dharamsala, Dec 12: Bone freezing cold wave is sweeping the hill state of Himachal Pradesh for the past few days, despite a dry weather. Cold wave gripped the state as mercury dipped below freezing point in several parts of the state.

The high altitude tribal areas witnessed arctic conditions as mercury stayed between minus 8 and minus 14 degrees Celsius, resulting in freezing of natural sources of water such as lakes, springs and rivulets.

The mercury dipped to minus one degree Celsius at Manali and Kalpa while Bhuntar, Sundernagar and Solan recorded a low of 1.4 degree Celsius, 2 degree Celsius and 2.2 degree Celsius respectively, three degrees below normal.

Keylong in tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.6 degrees. The minimum temperature settled at 4 deg Celsius in Una, while Palampur recorded a low of 4.5 deg C, 2.5 notches below the normal. Nahan and Dharamsala recorded a low of 5.6 degrees, 6.6 degrees and 7.2 deg C respectively.

The maximum temperature remained close to normal; Una in Shivalik foothills was hottest during the day with maximum of 24 degree C while Sundernagar recorded a high of 23.9 degree Celsius, followed by Solan 22 degree Celsius, Bhunter 21.5 degree Celsius, Nahan 20.5 degree Celsius, Dharamsala 17.6 degree Celsius, Shimla 15.6 degree Celsius and Kalpa 12.6 degree Celsius.

The Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) which normally closes on November 15 is still open and the Border Roads Organisation officials hope that the pass would be kept open for vehicular traffic till heavy snowfall.